TORKHAM, Afghanistan, Feb 27, (V7N) – Afghans returning from Pakistan and residents near the frontier voiced fears of deadly clashes Friday as smoke rose from the mountains after overnight bombardment.  

AFP journalists reported shellfire and gunfire in Torkham, with Afghan soldiers moving towards the border following Pakistani strikes. Fighting overnight hit a camp for returnees, killing one and wounding several, according to a provincial health official.  

Witnesses described panic as families fled. “Children, women and old people were running. I saw blood,” said 65-year-old returnee Gander Khan. Another returnee, Zarghon, said children went missing in the chaos as families abandoned belongings.  

The Omari camp near the crossing was struck by a mortar shell, provincial official Qureshi Badlun said. In Jalalabad, women wounded in the attack were treated, with health spokesman Naqibullah Rahimi confirming nine women and five men hospitalised, one of whom later died.  

Afghan forces launched a ground offensive late Thursday in retaliation for Pakistani air strikes earlier in the week. Pakistan subsequently carried out strikes on Kabul and Kandahar, AFP journalists reported.  

Local residents urged peace. “There should be reconciliation on both sides, because people are in great suffering,” said Waqas Shinwari. The UN refugee agency said it had paused operations at Omari camp, citing urgent safety concerns.  

The broader closure of the border has hit livelihoods in Torkham. “If there is peace on this border, we can have a life. But if there is no peace, then we will leave,” said resident Muhammad Kareem.  

END/WD/RH